Over 4 million Poll Cards Issued for Scottish Independence Referendum

Over four million poll cards are being issued to the Scottish electorate this week as Counting Officers across Scotland today (Wednesday 13 August 2014) publish formal notice of the Scottish Independence Referendum.

Poll cards are being dispatched between Thursday 14 August and Friday 15 August 2014 to every registered voter to provide them with details of their local polling place and how to vote in the referendum.

Counting Officers are required to publish a formal notice of the Scottish Independence Referendum in their area to outline the date for the referendum on Thursday 18 September 2014, details of polling places, who is eligible to vote and a reminder to eligible people to ensure they are registered to vote. Applications to the electoral register must be received by electoral registration offices by midnight on 2 September 2014. Applications to vote by post or by proxy must be received by 5pm on 3 September 2014.

Currently, there are 4,166,683 (as at 1 August 2014) registered electors on the electoral roll in Scotland. This week also marks the deadline at 12 noon on Thursday 14 August 2014 for applications for local referendum agents by registered campaigners.

The Chief Counting Office for the Scottish Independence Referendum, Mary Pitcaithly is urging those who are eligible to make sure they can participate in the referendum by ensuring they are registered to vote.

Mary Pitcaithly said:

“Only people who are registered to vote and are aged 16 or over on the day of the referendum will be entitled to vote, so it is vital that those who want to take part ensure their details are on the electoral register.

“It may be worth taking the time to check your details are on the register and that they are up-to-date, particularly if you’ve changed address in recent months.

“Poll cards are being issued this week to people who are already on the electoral roll, providing them with essential information about how and where to vote on 18 September.”

Polling places are open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 18 September 2014. Voters can obtain more information about the referendum and how to vote at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS
* Photographs of poll cards coming off the printer are available from Press Association. Contact PA picture desk on 0207 963 7155

* Key dates and times:
­ Register to vote by midnight on 2 September 2014
­ Register for postal or proxy vote by 5pm on 3 September 2014
­ Apply for emergency proxy votes by 5pm on 18 September 2014
­ Vote in person at polling places between 7am and 10pm on 18 September

* Voters can obtain more information about the referendum and how to vote at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk